For several years Paige Powell had a 9-to-5 desk job as a graphic artist for a casino. When she needed a break and wanted to amuse her co-workers, she created funny graphics.

She didn't know it then, but that experience would become the foundation of her art.

Now her art has developed into several series, including "318 Collage" and "Couch," both of which will be on display at her first solo show — "Fauxtography."

Powell has learned to market her work in creative ways, including pop-ups where she sells not only prints but also jewelry and canvas bags on which her designs are printed.

From the 318 Collages series by Paige Powell.
(Photo: courtesy)

It was the death of her father a year and a half ago that gave Powell, 48, the push she needed to fully embrace the artist in herself. The self-described shy girl found it easier to express herself through her art than with words.

“When my father passed away I just realized I wasn’t happy," she said. "I needed a change. At my age it was time for me to try something new and that I did really owe it to myself to try my own art instead of always designing for other people.”

From the I Hear Cartoons Series by Paige Powell.
(Photo: courtesy)

Her "318 Collages" series, which features iconic Shreveport structures in interesting illustrations combining photography with graphic art, has received great feedback from locals, she said.

“I think people respond to them because they can connect with them,” she said.

Buy Photo

Paige Powell table has supplies for the jewelry she is making.(Photo: Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

Her quirky sense of humor comes through in her art. Her compositions and colors are unexpected but come together in creative ways that just work. For instance, a vintage lady pointing a gun at an alligator in the Red River.

Her latest series, called "Couch," features the same couch in every image.

After studying the art of record albums, Powell wanted these pieces to showcase her friends. While each can stand on its own, they are connected through their similar style and the couch that all her subjects sit on.

“I wanted to portray my friends in different settings to show their personalities,” she said.

Powell is surprised at how far she has come in a year. What started as an expression of herself has become her business. More than prints, she also has included her work in purses and bags and has developed jewelry to match — all of which were featured in the recent "Micro/Macro: Under the Microscope" fashion show.

For those who love to see Sherevport artists flourish, this is a good thing. It also is good for Powell.

“I know I feel most alive when I am creating.”

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Micro/Macro: Under the Microscope, Into the Cosmos fashion show

If You Go

What: "Fauxtography," an exhibit of works by Shreveport artist Paige Powell.

When: Opening reception on 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, featuring music from Jesse Rawlinson, Jeremy Hayes and Jerry Lee ll, and refreshments from Go Greenly and Lyon’s Pride Coffee. The show runs from Wednesday, May 2, through Thursday, May 17.